Harmonious Feast

13th March 2010

Food has historically been the catalyst for celebration; it has always been the time when family and friends come together in peace and harmony; for who would ever bring a foe at their table. Just the thought of sharing a meal with aggression extinguishes the appetite.

A clever and compassionate Mia Northrop from Melbourne was disturbed by the recent attacks around Australia against Indians. So she came up with the ''Vindaloo Against Violence'' day in February and was amazed how people from all over the world gave their support. On this day she enticed people to dine in an Indian Restaurant or make a curry for friends at home and get to know the people better.

Next week is Harmony Day which celebrates the cohesive and inclusive nature of our nation and promotes the benefits of cultural diversity with a message ‘Everyone Belongs’. It's about community participation, inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

We often work in a socially diverse environment and can sit in the same lunch room for years without really knowing the people from other countries because they tend to group together. Yet it can be surprising and extremely interesting to find out more about their culture and lives.

Start Harmony this week in your workplace or schools by inviting the people of different culture to prepare an ethnic lunch for a day. Sitting around a table sharing food and conversing is the most convivial way to learn more about people.

Get involved with http://www.harmony.gov.au/